Espresso coffee: what is it and how is it prepared - classic recipe, composition, calorie content, serving, history

What is espresso coffee

The birthplace of espresso is Italy. In this country, a recipe was invented that allows you to prepare a fairly strong coffee drink. Its history begins in 1901. Then an Italian entrepreneur received a patent for a new invention - a coffee machine. In it, water under pressure passed through coffee powder.

Translated from Italian, espresso means expressed, compressed, concentrated. This is a drink that is prepared from natural grains and water in strictly defined proportions. No more components are added to the composition.

Types of drink

In addition to the classic version, the following types of espresso are distinguished:

ristretto. Differs in saturation. Less water is used;
Lungo. Less strong. In this case, more water is added;
double, triple espresso . The proportions are respected, but the portion is two or three times larger.

Ristretto

Lungo
In addition, based on this drink you can prepare:

coretto. A little alcohol is added to the composition;
Romano. In addition to the main components, lemon is used;
Americano. It's essentially watered down espresso;
cappuccino. Black coffee is covered with milk foam;
latte. It also contains frothed milk.

Differences between Americano and espresso coffee

Many consider espresso and Americano to be similar recipes. They are indeed similar in composition, however, different methods of preparation turn them into two drinks with different tastes and properties.

Americano is prepared on the basis of espresso, which is diluted with hot water to a volume of 150-180 ml. That is, for 40 ml of espresso add three times more hot water.
Americano has a mild flavor and low caffeine content per serving.
When strong and rich espresso is diluted with water, the sourness comes out much brighter, and the bitterness and strength of the taste are washed out. Therefore, in Americano you can feel fruity and woody flavors, which clearly appear in diluted espresso.
Americano is served in large cups; it is traditionally served with milk and sugar, which enhance the weak taste of the drink.
Espresso is much stronger, more expressive, richer. It has a small volume, unlike Americano.

Espresso volume

Classic Italian espresso 35-40 ml. This setting may change depending on preference. It is prepared differently in different countries:

in most European countries the serving is 40-50 ml;
in northern Europe they prepare 60-80 milliliters;
Americans have a serving of espresso of 80-100 ml;
In the Russian Federation, the drink is prepared according to the classic recipe (50 ml), but in some coffee shops you can find options up to 80 ml.

Espresso cups

For espresso, small cups made of thick-walled ceramic are used so that the drink retains its taste and temperature.

Demitasse cups are considered one of the most successful options for serving espresso. They have a small volume and are made of thick-walled ceramics of good quality. Some of them are the subject of hunting by collectors from different countries.
Another classic option for serving espresso is in small thick-walled cups, the volume of which does not exceed 100 ml.
Espresso is served hot, sugar, milk and a compliment from the chef are offered separately.

Fine porcelain cups are not suitable for espresso, as the coffee in them cools quickly. An exception may be sets for home use. Coffee is poured into porcelain cups from a coffee pot and drunk immediately.

Cooking rules

To prepare a classic espresso, you need to choose the correct grinding beans and clearly calculate the proportions. In addition, the container in which the drink will be served also deserves attention.

Coffee grinding

Espresso beans must be ground to a strictly defined degree. The final result directly depends on this. If the fractions turn out to be excessively large, then they simply will not have time to impart aroma and taste to the water. Accordingly, the coffee will be watery. Grains that are too small will result in intense extraction. The result is a rough, bitter drink.

The grains should be ground finely, but not to a powdery state.

The ideal degree of grinding can be easily determined by touch. Just take a pinch in your hands and rub the fractions between your fingers:

if the grains are similar to sugar, then the grains are crushed too coarsely;
Fractions similar to flour are also not suitable. They are very small;
Powder resembling “Extra” salt is an ideal option.

How many grams of coffee do you need per cup?

Espresso coffee should be used in strictly defined quantities. For one cup of 35-40 ml you need 7 g. If a double portion is prepared, the amount of grains increases to 14-15 g.

When using Arabica coffee, 10 grams of coffee are consumed per espresso. This variety is not very strong. Therefore, the number of beans should be large.

Espresso cups

A standard espresso shot is only 40 ml. Accordingly, small-sized dishes are chosen for it. To ensure that the drink retains its original taste and aroma, cools slowly and looks attractive, it is poured into white thick-walled cups made of ceramic.

Other materials are not suitable for coffee. In them it will cool too quickly. Porcelain, in principle, can be used at home, but only if the drink is drunk immediately after preparation.

Coffee cup volume

A noble drink, which is coffee, requires not only compliance with the exact preparation recipe, but also the appropriate “framing”. That is, worthy dishes that you will be pleased to hold in your hands. In this matter, everything is important: the material of the cup, its design and, of course, volume. This all applies to coffee etiquette, which will help you enjoy your perfect coffee ritual day after day.

In today's article we will tell you what volume a coffee cup should have. And why certain sizes should be used for pouring a particular type of coffee-based drink.

Volume of a coffee cup: pay attention to the type of coffee

All existing coffee utensils differ in their purpose. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that every popular recipe for making coffee has its own utensils.

Espresso cups

This type of classic, standard coffee requires special treatment. To use it, use very small cups. As a rule, these are tiny dishes, the volume of which ranges from 30-45 ml.

It can also be served in slightly larger cups, which have a volume of 50-70 ml. If you like to enjoy a coffee drink at home, then you can easily use dishes with a capacity of 60-90 ml.

Why should you choose cups of this size?

This recommendation should be followed in order to preserve the taste and aroma of traditional espresso as much as possible. According to this recipe, coffee should be made in small portions. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that it maintains its temperature for the longest possible period of time.

This is useful to know: in modern coffee shops in our country you can increasingly find espresso served in 90 ml cups. This allows establishment owners to save on the purchase of coffee utensils. After all, other types of espresso can be served in a cup of this size. For example, lungo or ristretto.

Let's talk about oriental coffee utensils

This drink has a strong, unique taste. Therefore, in order to preserve its taste characteristics, temperature and aroma, it is recommended to serve it in cups designed for a volume of 70-90 ml.

Our baristas often pour the drink into Demitasse cups. Inside they are ovoid in shape and have significant wall thickness. This allows the oriental coffee to remain hot for as long as possible. This cup option is also suitable for most coffee recipes that involve brewing the drink by hand.

Why exactly this volume?

Oriental coffee is characterized by a fairly rich, strong taste. One serving of the drink contains a considerable “dose” of caffeine, so it should be served in small containers.

Good to know: some oriental-style coffee recipes have a very pronounced strength. Therefore, it is recommended to use ceramic or porcelain cups with a volume of 50 ml for them.

Choosing a cappuccino cup

This type of coffee drink is prepared with a large amount of milk and high milk foam. Therefore, it is necessary to use a much larger cup than for espresso or oriental coffee.

That is why the standard volume of a cappuccino cup is considered to be 170-220 ml. Not worth it anymore. After all, with regards to cappuccino, coffee etiquette says the following: a portion of the drink should be flush with the edges of the cup or even protrude slightly beyond them.

Why is this volume ideal for cappuccino?

The classic variation of the drink is prepared on the basis of espresso and milk (in a ratio of 1 to 2). Do not forget that the drink has a high foam, which will also require a lot of space. Among other things, this cup can be used to serve lungo or espresso with the addition of cream. Therefore, this version of the coffee cup can be called almost universal.

Features of cup volume for Americano

Highly diluted espresso has a volume of 180 to 200 ml. And most often during the day they select dishes whose capacity ranges from 200-220 ml. In some establishments, it is quite common for the barista to pour Americano into a cappuccino cup. Preliminarily making the volume of coffee-based drinks the same.

Why such a volume? Traditionally, highly diluted espresso has a volume of 180 ml. But it is believed that the surface of Americano should not reach the edges. Therefore, experts pour the drink into a larger cup.

Latte cup

The peculiarity of this drink is the large volume of liquid. To prepare a classic latte, you need at least 150 ml of milk. That is why the volume of the cup for this coffee drink must be much larger. As a rule, the drink is served in glasses with a volume of 220 to 300 ml. However, there is also a 360 ml version.

What size should a Frappuccino cup be?

This coffee cocktail has one of the largest volumes. Therefore, barista etiquette states that it should be poured into containers with a capacity starting from 350 ml. It is known that a large portion of Frappuccino can easily reach half a liter. It is the volume for this type of coffee that should be as large as possible.

Attention: Frappuccino is more considered a coffee dessert, so you should use special dessert glasses to serve it.

Advice: if you choose a cup for alternative brewing coffee (using a French press, geyser coffee maker, etc.), then it is recommended to pay attention to dishes that have a volume of 200-220 ml.

Choosing a coffee cup for home, office and coffee shop

Drinking coffee at home

In this case, you should pay attention to cups that have a volume of 170-200 ml. For most traditional drink options, this volume will be more than enough. This type of dishware is also ideal for preparing coffee in a cezve.

To the office

For the office, it is recommended to choose a cup with a universal capacity of 150-170 ml. By the way, psychologists recommend choosing a neutral color scheme for office coffee cups.

Choosing a cup for a coffee shop

Experts recommend getting three types of cups at once:

70-90 ml – for espresso and drinks prepared on its basis;
180-220 – for Americano and classic cappuccino;
280-360 – for latte and frappe.

It is recommended to purchase all types of cups from the same manufacturer. The uniformity of the dishes will emphasize the style of the establishment. Plus, don't forget that if you buy in bulk, you can save some money by getting a discount.

Which drink requires cups?

Strong coffee. It is believed that the stronger the drink, the smaller the container should be. If you prefer this type of coffee drink, we recommend sticking to 100 ml cups.
Coffee drinks. If you drink coffee in large volumes or prefer to dilute it with dairy products or all kinds of toppings, then you should pay attention to coffee cups with a volume of 200-300 ml.

Remember: it is better to purchase a product with thick walls. While thin-walled porcelain cups look nice, they won't keep your drink warm.

Selecting a coffee pair

If you decide to buy a coffee pair, you have to make a difficult choice. Such items are produced regularly and in large volumes, so it may be difficult for you to decide on the necessary, suitable volume.

When choosing a coffee pair, it is recommended to follow several rules:

Small cups with a volume of up to 90 ml are recommended for those who love and know how to cook it.
Cups of 180-220 ml are considered an ideal option for those who like to drink coffee in large volumes. Or he prefers to add dairy products to the drink.

A volume of 150-170 ml has long been considered universal. After all, it is suitable for coffee prepared according to any recipe. By the way, this version of the cup is considered an excellent gift for a person whose tastes you know very little or not well enough.

Remember that choosing the size of a coffee cup is a purely personal matter. However, with a few tips, you can buy coffeeware not only for yourself, but also as a gift.

Coffee cup volume

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How to make espresso at home

It is not at all difficult to prepare espresso in a Turk, French press and more modern units. To do this, you just need to understand the features of the technology. The result will certainly please you.

In the coffee machine

The easiest way to prepare the perfect espresso is in a coffee machine. The device will do all the work. You just need to place the grains in it and turn on the start.

Beans should be ground immediately before cooking. One serving of the drink consumes 7 g of coffee powder. It needs to be placed in a holder and installed in the coffee machine. After this, the brewing process will begin. As a rule, after 20-30 seconds the coffee is ready.

In the coffee maker

You can easily prepare espresso at home using any type of coffee maker. The description of the cooking technology is as follows:

Pour the crushed grains into the holder.
Tamper the coffee powder. It should be located evenly in the holder. There should be no unevenness.
Clean the divider by spilling water.
Insert the holder into the unit and screw it tightly.
Turn on the water supply.
Carry out the spill for a maximum of half a minute.

In the French press

If you don’t have modern coffee machines in your home, you can use a recipe for brewing espresso coffee in a French press. The following ingredients are used:

4 teaspoons of ground grains;
500 ml water.

The cooking method involves performing the following actions:

Rinse the glass with hot water.
Place coffee powder in the bottom of the French press.
Pour hot, but not boiling, water into the container.
Stir the resulting mixture.
Lower the filter slightly and wait five minutes.
Lower the filter all the way and pour the coffee into cups.

In Turk

You can brew the drink without a coffee machine. Preparing espresso in a Turk is quite simple. You will need the following ingredients:

10 g crushed grains;
60 ml water.

The following actions are performed:

The cezve is placed on the stove and warms up a little.
The crushed grains are poured into the dishes. After this, the Turk is again placed on the fire.
When the coffee powder has warmed up, pour cold water into the cezve.
When foam appears on the surface, the Turk is set aside.
The drink is mixed and put back on the stove, and removed from it when foam appears.
The finished coffee is poured into a cup.

Classic cooking technology

The Italians claim that the quality of espresso depends on 4m:

miscela (grain mixtures);
macinadosatore (degree of grinding);
maccina (coffee machines);
mano (barista abilities).

Suitable coffee type

A mixture of 3-5 varieties of Arabica is used. Robusta is allowed to be mixed in small quantities to obtain a stronger drink with thick foam. There should be no aromatic additives.

It is not recommended to use ground coffee. It will lose its aroma after 2-3 weeks of storage. It is better to grind the grains immediately before cooking.

Choose a medium to dark roast. When choosing Italian or French, the sourness will disappear from the taste. At the same time, the bitterness will increase.

Grinding degree

The grind should be finer than medium, but coarser than fine. If you choose too large, the coffee will turn out to be liquid and will lose its taste. Excessively ground beans can clog the coffee maker filter.

Suitable coffee maker model

The right espresso coffee maker has a number of characteristics:

The holder must be made of stainless steel. When heated, the plastic part will begin to spoil the aroma of the coffee. The drink will smell like chemical additives.
The pressure in the chamber should be 9 bar. The pump should provide a reading of 15 bar.
The temperature of the liquid in the boiler should increase to +87°...+95°. If the heat is too high, a burnt taste will appear, and if the heat is too low, the coffee will turn out liquid and not tart enough.

Preparatory stage

Do not pour too many beans into the holder, otherwise it will be difficult to tamp with the distemper. Make sure the coffee is pressed evenly. Water may pass through areas of lower density, causing the espresso to be thin.

Choose the right tamper. Avoid aluminum and plastic products. They are too fragile and will quickly become unusable.

Give preference to stainless steel tampers. For single holders, choose a product with a flat base. For doubles, rounded temperas are better suited.

Brewing Features

To compress beans for a carob coffee maker, you will need a force of 19-20 kg. Give preference to filtered water. Distilled liquid reduces the strength, too hard spoils the aroma.

Fill a slightly warmed ceramic cup with the finished drink. Do not pour from one container to another.

Is Turk suitable?

You won't be able to make espresso at home using a cezve. Ground grains in a Turk remain in a gradually heating liquid for a long time. Because of this, caffeine and essential substances are released differently. At home, it is possible to prepare Turkish black coffee in a cezve.

Submission rules

Espresso is served according to certain rules:

a spoon is placed under the handle of the cup on the saucer, and portioned sugar is placed on the other side;
hot coffee is served immediately after the preparation process is completed;
place a glass of water separately;
The cups are preheated. For this purpose, you just need to pour boiling water over them or use the special heating function in the coffee machine;
The cups are filled to a maximum of two-thirds.

For whom and what is such utensils needed?

One single container or a set of espresso cups is a great gift for real coffee lovers. The appropriate utensils will come in handy both at home and in the office.

These products are also in great demand in catering establishments. Espresso glasses are often offered here, and we are not talking about disposable plastic products, but about special accessories made of heat-resistant porcelain. They imitate disposable containers and are also available in a “creased” design. Such products can easily become the specialty of a coffee shop.